In an extremely close and exciting 12 rounder that could have gone either way by the scorecards,

In an extremely close and exciting 12 rounder that could have gone either way by the scorecards,

Kendall Holt of Paterson, New Jersey, made his first successful defense of his WBO Light Welterweight title with a 12 round split decision win over challenger Demetrius Hopkins of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Holt, now 25-2 with 13 kayos, was abit more aggressive, coming forward all night with body shot power punches thrown in flurries, and this proved the difference. Hopkins, now 28-1-1 with 11 kayos (the nephew of former Middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins) was more effective in jabs thrown and in tying Holt up and making Holt face the crowd, as Hopkins rolled out of clinches and grabbed Holt from behind all night. Hopkins also used effective side-to-side footwork to frustrate Holt, who spent the entire bout chasing his elusive opponent. Neither man appeared hurt. Both men weighed in at 140 pounds. The bout was broadcast from Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall over Showtime. After the bout, Hopkins claimed to suffer from ring rust after a 13 month layoff, and took the fight on one week's notice. According to Holt, " Watching tapes, Demetrius, likes to box on the outside and let loose with his right hands,a cutsy boxer requiring a change in style." Commentary at ringside included WBC Super Lightweight Champion Timothy Bradley, who will now fight a unification bout with Holt. Bradley stated that "Never seen him (Holt) so aggressive, looking very impressive." Referee: Allan Huggins

Kendall Holt of Paterson, New Jersey, made his first successful defense of his WBO Light Welterweight title with a 12 round split decision win over challenger Demetrius Hopkins of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Holt, now 25-2 with 13 kayos, was abit more aggressive, coming forward all night with body shot power punches thrown in flurries, and this proved the difference. Hopkins, now 28-1-1 with 11 kayos (the nephew of former Middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins) was more effective in jabs thrown and in tying Holt up and making Holt face the crowd, as Hopkins rolled out of clinches and grabbed Holt from behind all night. Hopkins also used effective side-to-side footwork to frustrate Holt, who spent the entire bout chasing his elusive opponent. Neither man appeared hurt. Both men weighed in at 140 pounds. The bout was broadcast from Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall over Showtime. After the bout, Hopkins claimed to suffer from ring rust after a 13 month layoff, and took the fight on one week's notice. According to Holt, " Watching tapes, Demetrius, likes to box on the outside and let loose with his right hands,a cutsy boxer requiring a change in style." Commentary at ringside included WBC Super Lightweight Champion Timothy Bradley, who will now fight a unification bout with Holt. Bradley stated that "Never seen him (Holt) so aggressive, looking very impressive." Referee: Allan Huggins

Revision as of 07:10, 14 December 2008

In an extremely close and exciting 12 rounder that could have gone either way by the scorecards,
Kendall Holt of Paterson, New Jersey, made his first successful defense of his WBO Light Welterweight title with a 12 round split decision win over challenger Demetrius Hopkins of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Holt, now 25-2 with 13 kayos, was abit more aggressive, coming forward all night with body shot power punches thrown in flurries, and this proved the difference. Hopkins, now 28-1-1 with 11 kayos (the nephew of former Middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins) was more effective in jabs thrown and in tying Holt up and making Holt face the crowd, as Hopkins rolled out of clinches and grabbed Holt from behind all night. Hopkins also used effective side-to-side footwork to frustrate Holt, who spent the entire bout chasing his elusive opponent. Neither man appeared hurt. Both men weighed in at 140 pounds. The bout was broadcast from Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall over Showtime. After the bout, Hopkins claimed to suffer from ring rust after a 13 month layoff, and took the fight on one week's notice. According to Holt, " Watching tapes, Demetrius, likes to box on the outside and let loose with his right hands,a cutsy boxer requiring a change in style." Commentary at ringside included WBC Super Lightweight Champion Timothy Bradley, who will now fight a unification bout with Holt. Bradley stated that "Never seen him (Holt) so aggressive, looking very impressive." Referee: Allan Huggins